DOJ subpoenas Tim Walz and other Minnesota Democrats over ICE obstruction

Federal prosecutors on Tuesday served subpoenas to at least five top Minnesota Democrats — including Gov. Tim Walz — as part of the Justice Department’s investigation into the obstruction of ICE and of the Trump administration’s illegal immigration crackdown in the state, U.S. officials confirmed to Just the News.

Beyond the subpoena issued to Walz for allegedly obstructing law enforcement activities, the DOJ also subpoenaed Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her and Hennepin County attorney Mary Moriarty over their alleged anti-ICE actions and obstruction activities, the U.S. officials said.

Just the News had reported on Friday that the DOJ had opened an investigation into Walz and Frey. The officials had said it was likely that Walz and Frey would get grand jury subpoenas in an investigation that is looking at obstruction, as well as scrutinizing whether Walz turned a blind eye to a massive fraud scheme in his state. 

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche had warned both men last week that he was "focused on stopping YOU from your terrorism by whatever means necessary." 

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had also accused the pair of perpetuating violence directed at federal officers. 

Walz responded to the federal investigation Friday night, claiming the probe was an "authoritarian tactic." 

"Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic," Walz said on X. "The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her." 

Frey accused the department of trying to intimidate him over his support for the city, including local law enforcement officers and residents who were protesting federal immigration operations. 

“I will not be intimidated," Frey insisted on X on Friday. "My focus remains where it’s always been: keeping our city safe."

The comments came as tensions in Minnesota increase over recent shootings involving federal immigration officers. One ICE agent fatally shot a woman last week who drove at the agent with her car. Democratic Minnesota officials argue that the shooting was unjustified, while federal officials counter that the agent acted in self-defense.